Credit Card Reliquary (Vase and lid)

1991

Matt Nolen

(a) large ovoid vase, resting on twisted rope base. Sides of vase modeled with rope and husk garlands, surrounding four reserve panels: each reserve with depiction of major credit card--Mastercard ; American Express / Visa /Diner's Club International. Each credit card is shown against a spiral cloud-like ground. Ground between reserves is modeled and painted with blue and flesh fronds against a puzzle-like ground of green fragments (money?). Rope and husk garlands surrounding reserves linked with four balls: " MEMBER SINCE 60 / VALID FROM 02/78 / GOOD THRU 02/91 /SIGN HERE X." The shoulders of the vase curve into a flared neck, supported by three-dimensional percentage symbols. The neck is painted with four rope- framed reserves against a blue ground, each painted with "19.8" The domed cover is painted with a green fragment of money and with gold coins with "$" in centers. A modelled and applied ribbon at each side is inscribed: "CREDIT EST MORT." The finial is in the form of a man in a business suit, holding in his right hand an attache case, his head bowed and covered by his left hand, and wearing outspread feathered wings.